The American Research Universities-Human Resources Institute (ARU-HRI) Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

In November 2025, the American Association of Universities (AAU) group of CHROs marked the Institute’s 15th anniversary at its annual conference in Washington, D.C. The group is now composed exclusively of CHROs from the nation’s 71 leading research universities. Officially known as the American Research Universities–Human Resource Institute (ARU-HRI), the organization continues to serve as a premier forum for collaboration among senior HR leaders in higher education.
As Founder and President Emeritus of ARU-HRI, Ken was invited to offer remarks at the conference and to present on the Institute’s founding. He has graciously shared those remarks and his presentation with us. We invite you to take a moment to read his reflections and learn more about the history of the organization. The Institute also expresses its appreciation to NAHR on its website.